Aufforderung
German composer
Definition
Invitation — specifically in Weber's concert rondo 'Aufforderung zum Tanze' (Invitation to the Dance), a narrative of a gentleman inviting a lady to dance, depicted through the dialogue between bass and soprano registers in the slow introduction.
Interpretive Guidance
Weber himself described the programme: the bass voice addresses the lady (measures 1–5), she hesitates (measures 5–9), he presses his invitation (measures 9–13), she accepts (measure 13). Play these exchanges with clear differentiation of character between the two registers — the bass warm and persuasive, the treble demure.